Helen (Elena) Zellermayer, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Helen was a strong, resilient, and deeply loving woman whose life was marked by perseverance and devotion to family. She was born in Romania, where she spent her early years. At the age of 18, she married the late David Zellermayer, and together they raised three daughters: Chaia, Irene, and Margaret Zellermayer.

Helen was a proud and devoted grandmother to her two grandsons, Robert and Mathew Panela, who lovingly knew her as Omama. She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Marcy, Chris, and Mandy, as well as her step great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Helen lived in many places and countries. From Romania, she moved to Israel, then to Toronto, Calgary, and eventually returned to Toronto, where she spent the remainder of her life. A dedicated and hardworking woman, Helen spent her working years in the restaurant industry, working as a server and general manager at United Bakers Dairy Restaurant and Marky’s Restaurant. Earlier in her career, she and David owned and operated a restaurant together in Calgary.

Helen will be remembered as strong-willed and tough, yet also kind, generous, and deeply caring to people from all walks of life. She was loved by her family, cherished by coworkers and patrons from the restaurants where she worked, and treasured by her close friends, especially those with whom she shared many lively poker games. She touched countless lives, and her impact will live on through all who knew her.

Helen—Elena—Omama—will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

 

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimers Society of Ontario (https://alzheimer.ca/on/en) or Israeli Victims of War (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ivow-association/)